Leadership Tompkins engages a diverse group of aspiring and existing community leaders in building networks, developing leadership skills, and raising awareness of local issues. This community-based program is designed for individuals who want to learn about our county, meet current leaders, and prepare for leadership roles on boards and in their organizations.

Deb Mohlenhoff, Ithaca College alumna and former staff member, is the new Program Director for Leadership Tompkins. As a community leader for over 15 years, with an extensive background in training local leaders for volunteer service, she brings her
wide network and community expertise to the program.

Through Leadership Tompkins, participants will:

Immerse themselves in the community through several interactive workshops - including facility tours, service outings, volunteer opportunities, training workshops, guest speakers, and networking events

Become more aware of and engaged in current issues facing the region

Set realistic goals for personal leadership development

Expand local network of mentors, community leaders, and resources

Learn how local leaders apply leadership skills to tackle community issues

Be matched with a Community Coach in a mentor relationship

Gain skills that will prepare participants for future involvement as a non-profit board member, community volunteer, or public servant

Ithaca College will sponsor up to two staff members for participation in Leadership Tompkins, covering the entire $850 registration fee. Participants are required to attend a two-day kickoff retreat in September (not an overnight), full-day monthly sessions held during the workweek from October through June and a variety of community activities (some during the evening/weekend). An applicant's supervisor must approve participation, which includes all program activities during the workday, and sign the application form. Lunch is provided during the monthly sessions. Transportation is not provided and sessions will be held at varying locations throughout the county.

The application form is available for download by clicking here. Please note that it must be submitted, with all required signatures, by 5pm on Monday, Aug. 11 to Kristin LiBritz in the Office of Career Services. Once the Ithaca College participants have been selected, their applications will be forwarded to the Leadership Tompkins office (please do not submit your application directly to the program as you need to be selected for sponsorship through the on-campus process).

Please contact Kristin LiBritz '98, Chair of the Leadership Tompkins Advisory Board, at klibritz@ithaca.edu or Linda Koenig, Advisory Board member, at lkoenig@ithaca.edu, if you have any questions about the program.

Leadership Tompkins is sponsored by TC3 and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.

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